Thomas C. Evans, Gilpin Township

[This story appeared in last months issue with Mr. Evans’ last name as “Parks”. We apologize for this error and present the story this month with the correction]

Tom C. Evans of Gilpin Township is more active at the age of 90 than most young people. He also still works every day caring for things that most have forgotten about. On the Board of Directors at Evergreen Cemetery since 1950, he also has been caretaker for over 30 years. Although not as active as in past years, he still cares for the cemetery everyday. When you consider that Evergreen Cemetery has over 4,000 buried there over 15 acres of land, it is no small task to keep track of everything. Yet, Tom Evans does and knows every burial site.

Tom is not only dedicated to this daily task, but also cares for the nearly abandoned Old Leechburg Cemetery. The former Dr. H. Fraley of Leechburg approached him in 1985 about caring for the cemetery and he agreed to do it. With nearly five acres of cemetery to care for, according to Tom, there is no outside support or interest in the cemetery. Yet, he faithfully continues to be sure the cemetery is mowed and trimmed.

The labor of caring for cemeteries doesn’t get into the news, capture headlines or really receive any notice at all. Cemeteries, though, must be kept in excellent condition and continually prepared for expansion as needed. Honoring those that have died, veterans and visitors require everything to be in order. This is what Tom has dedicated himself to do.

Recently Tom took a fall and broke his collarbone in addition to seriously being bruised. One month later, at this interview, he was continuing on with his work as if nothing had happened. In fact, if he hadn’t told about the injury it would have not been noticed. Tom did admit he has had to cut back a little on the work. At Evergreen there is another person who now handles running the driving mower.

Tom also recently resigned from the Gilpin-Leechburg Park where he has served for many years. He was responsible for planting many trees that were donated to the park including some of his own trees. Tom loves landscaping, as it is seen at his three-acre home. He planted all the trees on his property.

Tom’s roots aren’t far from his Gilpin Township home on the corner of Booth and Schenley Roads. He was the youngest of ten children born in Bagdad in 1916. He has found memories of his childhood and remembers a lot of funny stories. His upbringing built that character he shows today in continually working. One of his first jobs was delivering papers that required he walk a half a mile to the river, row across to the railroad tracks on the Westmoreland County to pick up the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, as it was thrown off the passing train. Later when his mother transferred him out of a local school to the 8th grade in Leechburg High School, he walked over two miles of railroad tracks each way to and from school.

Tom later graduated from Westminster College with a teaching degree in mathematics, but never taught. Instead, he went to work at Allegheny Ludlum in West Leechburg for 35 years, retiring in 1975. In fact, he has now been retired longer than he worked at the mill!

Tom laments the fact that today it is difficult to find anyone interested in serving on the cemetery board or interested in caring for the property. He has survived many others who have served, and thankfully to his longevity, is still very active. He shows little of letting up. Just looking at his own property that is meticulously kept, you can be sure the same care is carried out at Evergreen and Old Leechburg Cemeteries.

Evergreen Cemetery on Evergreen Road in Gilpin Township began in 1890. There are many Civil War veterans buried there. It is a privately owned cemetery by those who have bought plots and it is probably one of the best-kept secrets as to cost. A double plot is only $300.00 and that includes perpetual care. A single lot sells for $175.00. If you have any interest in helping, contact Tom at 724-845-8855.

Evergreen Cemetery http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~treasures/pa/armstrong/gilpin/

Old Leechburg Cemetery http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~treasures/pa/armstrong/gilpin/oldleech.htm